Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court, Ikeja, has scheduled December 12, 2024, to hear an application filed by former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Godwin Emefiele, challenging the court's jurisdiction to preside over charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Emefiele, represented by his lawyer, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), argued that the Lagos court lacks the authority to try him for alleged abuses of office during his tenure as CBN governor.
Specifically, his legal team contended that the first four counts of the 26 charges are unconstitutional, as they are not rooted in any existing Nigerian law.
Citing Section 36(12) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Emefiele’s lawyers posited that the alleged acts do not constitute recognized offences under Nigerian law, urging the court to dismiss the charges.
Previously, Justice Oshodi deferred hearing the jurisdictional challenge, intending to address it after the trial commenced.
However, Emefiele escalated the matter to the Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal, which ruled on November 29 that the jurisdictional application must be heard before the trial proceeds.
During today’s proceedings, EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) presented a Certified True Copy of the appellate court's ruling, urging the lower court to comply promptly.
While Ojo confirmed receipt of the ruling electronically, he sought an adjournment to prepare additional arguments, a move Oyedepo opposed, stressing the need to expedite the matter.
Justice Oshodi, after considering submissions from both parties, adjourned the hearing to December 12, in line with the appellate court's directive.
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